ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar holds review meeting with Agriculture Ministry officials
Ministers of State Shri Parshottam Rupala and Shri Kailash Choudhary also attend the review/presentation meeting
After taking charge of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, Union Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar held a review/presentation meeting with senior officers of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare at Krishi Bhawan today. Ministers of State for Agriculture Sh. Parshottam Rupala and Sh. Kailash Choudhary were also present.
Secretary Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Sanjay Agarwal welcomed the Ministers and briefed them about major initiatives and priorities of the Department. Other senior officials explained programs, policies and activities of their divisions and institutions. While addressing the officials Shri Narendra Singh Tomar reminded them of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for doubling farmers income by 2022 and he urged the officials to orient their work and focus to realise this goal. The Minister emphasized on strengthening and fast tracking of e-NAM to facilitate agricultural trading. . He said acting on poll promises the Modi government in its first cabinet meeting approved extension of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, income support scheme to all farmers and also cleared a pension scheme  for agriculturists. He alerted the officials for the need to to keep a strict vigil on the monsoon and drought conditions in the coming agriculture season. He stressed on the need to strengthen field institutions and coordination with State Governments for expanding out-reach and extension to farmers. He urged the Agriculture Ministry officials to make a lasting contribution with integrity, team spirit and focussed approach in their respective fields for the growth of agricultural production and welfare of farmers.
In their address both the Ministers of State for Agriculture Sh. Parshottam Rupala and Sh. Kailash Choudhary emphasised on the vision of the Prime Minister for doubling farmers income by 2022 and urged all the officers to put in their best efforts.
PIB Headquarters
The Audit Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Economic Sector  has been handed over to the State Government
The Audit Report f the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Economic Sector  for the year ended 31 March 2018, Government of Gujarat has been handed over to the State Government on 15.10.2019
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Special Service and Features
Central Government schemes should reach citizens at grassroots level : Union Minister of State Dr. L Murugan
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L Murugan said that awareness about Central Government schemes should reach citizens at grassroots level The Minister was holding a review meeting of units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Thiruvananthapuram. He also said that all units of the ministry including Akashavani, Doordarshan, Press Information Bureau, and Central Bureau of Communication should increase their outreach of activities on social media to broaden their reach and engagement with the public. Senior officials of Doordarshan, Akashavani, PIB, and CBC were present.
NS
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Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism organises Domestic Tourism roadshow in Goa
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organised the domestic tourism road show in Goa today through its IndisTourism office in Goa . This event was organised in collaboration with Goa Tourism and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa .
This B2B event and second in series of domestic tourism Road Shows in the Western and Central Region that the Ministry of Tourism has planned to conduct since the Covid–19 outbreak was inaugurated byMs. Rupinder Brar , Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism .
This roadshow featured fruitful engagement between tour operators from Maharashtra and Goa. This event was one of the series of roadshows being organized in the Ministry of Tourism’s Mumbai Office  . Maharashtra Tour Operators delegation consisted of 15 tour operators who drove into Goa to experience the Road travel which is now gaining popularity as travel is unlocking across the country. 30 members of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa  participated in the roadshow.
Delivering keynote address, Additional Director General Rupinder Brar spoke about how Domestic tourism, when developed in a meaningful, sustainable and complementary way to international tourism, offers India an exceptional platform for year-round tourism. Se said “ This would mean a relentless determination to drive up quality, whether accommodation, hospitality or customer service.” She also spoke about the several initiatives being taken by Ministry of Tourism in rebooting the tourism sector and the Dekho Apna Desh Campaign and the famed Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series.
Shri J. Ashok Kumar, Secretary , Govt. of Goa informed about the release of new Tourism policy of Goa in November, 2020 which aims on shifting from Coastal to Hinterland Tourism in the State. He also informed about the State having a dedicated agency for Beach Clean – up and forthcoming initiative of having a dedicated Police Force for all beaches.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation made a presentation on the limitless options for holiday makers in Goa and especially the new tourism products being developed by the State.
Mr. Nilesh Shah, the President of the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa  the apex body representing the Hotel & Travel Trade in Goa welcomed the participants . TTAG consists of Hoteliers, Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Airlines and other allied bodies.
Excellent support was extended by Goa Tourism, Institute of Hotel Management , Goa , TTAG in organizing the roadshow.
Ministry of Finance
Joint Statement after Finance and Health Ministerial Meeting in Gandhinagar
Indian Presidency hosted the G20 Joint Finance and Health Ministers Meeting, attended by Health Ministers and Finance Ministers  on 19th August 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The meeting was co-chaired and opening remarks were delivered by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, and Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health, Government of India. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of WHO gave an update on global health from the perspective of emerging/post pandemic scenario. Ms. Priya Basu, the Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund provided an update on the activities of Pandemic Fund.
The Executive Head of the JHFTF Secretariat, Ms. Serina Ng, made a presentation on the key deliverables brought out under the Indian Presidency;
- The Framework for Economic Vulnerabilities and Risks 
- The Report on Mapping Pandemic Response Financing Options and Gaps
- The Report on Best Practices on Finance Health Institutional Arrangements during Covid-19.
G20 Finance and Health Ministers agreed on continuous strengthening of the global health architecture for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response  through enhanced collaboration between Finance and Health Ministries. Ministers welcomed the multi-year work plan of the Task Force, approved under the Indian Presidency. Ministers welcomed the reports developed by the Task Force under the Indian Presidency, since these reports not only help members deepen their understanding of how future pandemics can impact the economy but also brought out the gaps in existing pandemic response institutional/funding arrangements. Some of the views expressed by countries in the discussions were those that are suggestive of future course for the Task Force including but not limited to development of an operational play book to ensure swift and adequate pandemic response financing; development of pandemic stress test; strengthening the supportive role of Task Force to WHO in global health architecture while duly considering country specific circumstances.
Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the first call for proposals of the Pandemic Fund and stated they look forward to the second call for proposals by the end of 2023.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, concluded the meeting by thanking the co-chairs, Italy and Indonesia and other participants.
AYUSH
Yoga Mahotsav - 75 Days countdown to International Day of Yoga 2023 will be organized tomorrow at Dibrugarh, Assam
Assam has the potential to become a major Yoga Tourist Destination of India: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
The Union Minister for Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal was addressed the press conference at Guwahati on the eve of 75 days to International Day of Yoga, 2023 “Yoga Mahotsav” to be held on 7th April at the Dibrugarh, Assam tomorrow.
Addressing the media persons, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said that Yoga Mahotsav - 75 days to International Day of Yoga 2023 program will be held at Dibrugarh University campus, Dibrugarh, Assam. He said that Assam has successfully hosted two major Yoga Mahotsav in successive years . The minister further informed Ministry of Ayush has identified areas of tremendous potential in the state and Yoga is one of them. and success of these events not only boosts the Yoga as practice in the region but also opens up new vistas of opportunity for the region.
Adding further on the Ayush initiatives, Shri Sonowal said, “Ayush has a lot of potential in Assam. To realise the potential, a number of steps are being taken including institution like - Central Ayurveda Research Institute  in Guwahati - where a separate Panchakarma Block is being built, along with a Pharmacology & Chemistry building equipped with first of its kind labs in the region. We also want to hone the rich folk medicine of the Northeast. For this, a major survey is being undertaken in all the 8 states whereby making scientific surveys with proper documentations so that our rich folk medicines can be standardised and, after all the necessary steps, make available for treatment of human ailments. This will not only add to the enrichment of lives widely but also open up economic opportunity for the region in the medical and pharmacology sectors.”
Other prominent leaders participating at the Yoga Mahotsav include Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof  Manik Saha, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Preston Tynsong, Union MoS for Foreign Affairs, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and MoS for Petroleum & Gas Rameshwar Teli.
Health & family Welfare Minister, Assam, Keshab Mahanta; Health & family Welfare Minister, Manipur, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh; Minister of Industry & Commerce, Assam, Bimal Borah; the Health & family Welfare Minister, Arunachal Pradesh, Alo Libang; the Health & family Welfare Minister, Meghalaya, Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh; Minister of Urban Development, Sikkim, L B Das; former minister & Chairman, HOUSEFED, Bhabesh Kalita; the Minister of Labour Welfare Department, Assam, Sanjay Kishan; the MLA of Dibrugarh & Chairman, AIDC, Prashanta Phukan; the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha along with the Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University, Prof Jiten Hazarika will also participated.
The Ministry of Ayush has also put up an exhibition showcasing the strength of Ayush systems of medicines -- Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy form April 6th to 7th, 2023 at Bishnurabha Rangamancha, Dibrugarh University, Assam.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath : CBC & PIB Goa, 1 Goa Battalion NCC and CCP Undertake Cleanliness Drive in Panaji
In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call of 'Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta Ek Saath,' the Goa field offices of Central Bureau of Communication  and Press Information Bureau  in association with the 1 Goa Battalion National Cadet Corps  and the Corporation of the City of Panaji , embarked on a resolute cleanliness drive as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign at La Campala Garden, Panaji. Clen Madeira, Commissioner, Corporation of the City of Panaji and Col. MKS Rathore, Commanding Officer, 1 Goa Battalion NCC Panaji were present as Chief Guests.
The endeavor breathed new life into the area surrounding the amphitheater at La Campala Garden, a beloved public park in Panaji, which had been overgrown with wild vegetation. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Col. MKS Rathore delivered a significant message, stating, "Cleaning drives represent just one facet of Swachhata. Responsibility and sustainability are the pivotal lessons that must be embraced by one and all. Transitioning to a lifestyle that minimizes waste generation and environmental pollution is imperative."
Clen Madeira commended the unwavering enthusiasm of the NCC cadets and urged for more such participatory events, emphasizing the importance of spreading the Swachhata message far and wide.
Deputy Director of PIB, Gautam S Kumar, and Field Publicity Officer of CBC, Riyaz Babu, were also present on the occasion. Approximately 50 NCC cadets actively participated in this initiative.
Ministry of Defence
Operation Samudra Setu INS Magar Arrives at Male to Evacuate Indian Citizens
INS Magar, the second naval ship of the Indian Navy’s Op Samudra Setu, to evacuate stranded Indian Nationals from Maldives and ensure smooth and safe passage back to India, arrived at Male Port on the morning of 10 May 20. INS Magar, an LST designed for landing operations, had made all necessary logistic, medical and administrative preparations at her base port Kochi to comfortably accommodate civilians before setting sail towards Maldives.
The ship will evacuate about 200 citizens while ensuring all precautions related to COVID-19 including social distancing norms are followed. An entirely separate section of the ship with essential facilities like food and washrooms has been prepared to accommodate the evacuees and a separate mess has been allotted for ladies, infants and senior citizens. Additional precautions have been taken by dividing the evacuees into groups to avoid crowding at common areas like dining hall, bathrooms etc.
Concurrently, the first ship carrying evacuees from Maldives, INS Jalashwa reached Kochi harbour this morning with 698 Indian citizens.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Health Assistance for Contractual Employeess
Public health is a State subject and the primary responsibility of ensuring availability of healthcare facilities including contractual employees lies with the respective State Governments. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana  launched in 2018 provides Rs.5 lakh health coverage for secondary and tertiary health benefits to all workers including contractual employees who are covered as eligible beneficiaries as per deprivation and occupation criteria.
The Employees State Insurance  Act, 1948 is applicable to all factories  employing ten or more persons and the establishments notified by the appropriate government under Section 1 of the Act, located in ESI notified areas. Employees earning wages up to Rs21,000/- per month  in such ESI covered factories/establishments are coverable under the ESI Act. All ESIC facilities are available to the ESI covered employees including contractual employees in the ESI registered factories/establishments.
This information was given by Shri Rameswar Teli, Minister of State, Ministry of Labour & Employment in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Shri Rameshwar Teli kick starts the construction work of 200 bedded ESIC Hospital in Guwahati.
Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, Shri Rameswar Teli inspected and kick-started construction work at ESIC Model Hospital complex at Guwahati in Assam today.
The Union Minister expressed happiness and informed that the upgraded hospital, after completion of construction works will be available with state-of-the-art facilities.
“The hospital after being upgraded to 200 beds will have facilities of OPD, ICU, HDU, Cardiology, Nephrology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Urology, Endocrinology etc.” said Shri Teli informing that the hospital with a construction cost around Rs.143 crores will be completed by January, 2024.
Shri Teli, also informed that Government of Assam has consented to handover ESI Scheme State hospital at Teensukia to ESI Corporation.
The Union Minister also presented the COVID-19 Relief Scheme Certificate to the dependants of Insured Persons who unfortunately expired due to COVID-19. He also presented e-shram cards to the workers from unorganized sector.
The other Dignitaries to grace the occasion were Smt. Queen Oja, MP, Guwahati, Assam and Shri S P Tiwari, Member, ESIC.
ESIC Scheme was initially started in Assam with 5 centres at Guwahati, Teensukia, Dibrugarh, Dhubri and Makum in the year 1958 and was later extended to other districts of Assam. At present ESIC is providing Medical facilities and Cash Benefits to the beneficiaries through 15 Branch offices, one DCBO , 27 dispensaries and empanelled 26 IMPs in addition to 1 Model Hospital at Guwahati. Super-speciality, secondary medical care and diagnostic facilities are provided through 47 tie-up hospital and diagnostic centres.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog and RMI Release a Report on Power Distribution Sector
NITI Aayog today released a report thatpresents reform pathways that can transform the country’s power distribution sector, in a step towards improving policymaking in this area.
The report, titled Turning Around the Power Distribution Sector, is co-authored by NITI Aayog, RMI and RMI India. It was released today by NITI Aayog ViceChairman Dr Rajiv Kumar in the presence of Dr VKSaraswat , Amitabh Kant , Alok Kumar , Dr Rakesh Sarwal  and AkshimaGhate .
Most power distribution companies  in India incur losses every year—total losses are estimated to be as high as Rs 90,000 crore in FY 2021. Due to these accumulated losses, discoms are unable to pay generators on time, make investments required to ensure high-quality power, or prepare for greater use of variable renewable energy.
The report presents a review of reform efforts in the Indian and global power distribution sector. It extracts the learnings and best practices from the wealth of policy experience that exists in the country. ‘This report examines many important reforms, such as the role of the private sector in distribution, power procurement, regulatory oversight, integration of renewable energy, and upgradation of infrastructure,’ said NITI Aayog ViceChairman Dr Rajiv Kumar. ‘A healthy and efficient distribution sector is essential, whether for improving the ease of doing business, or for improving the ease of life.’
The report is divided into chapters focusing on structural reforms, regulatory reforms, operational reforms, managerial reforms, and renewable energy integration. Dr VKSaraswat, Member  said, ‘This report presents policymakers with a menu of reform options to put the distribution sector on the track of efficiency and profitability. NITI will partner with some of the states to take these reforms forward.’
Highlighting the need for addressing current challenges, Clay Stranger, Managing Director, RMI said, ‘A robust and long-lasting solution to the woes of the discomsrequires changes in policy as well as organisational, managerial, and technological reforms. Different states have travelled along different pathways of reforms, giving a rich set of policy experiments to learn from.’
The report can be accessed here: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-08/Electricity-Distribution-Report_030821.pdf
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with the President of the Republic of France
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held tête-à-tête and delegation level talks with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of France at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 14 July 2023.
Both leaders held extensive discussions on wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation including defence and security, civil nuclear, science and technology, energy, trade and investment, space, climate action and people to people ties.
Discussions also covered India’s G20 Presidency, Indo-Pacific, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Ambitious outcome documents, including "Horizon 2047: Charting the future of India-France Strategic Partnership", were adopted.
Prime Minister conveyed that he looks forward to welcoming President Macron in New Delhi for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September 2023.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Nityanand Rai presides over the 8th Foundation Day of Land Ports Authority of India
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, presided over as Chief Guest at the 8th Foundation Day of the Land Ports Authority of India , celebrated in New Delhi today.
In his address, the Minister complimented the LPAI for the excellent work done in building border infrastructure for facilitation of cross border trade and travel on India's land borders. He also praised the LPAI for building the Passenger Terminal Building at Dera Baba Nanak, Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, an achievement the whole nation is proud of.
Discussions on various aspects of Land Ports - the game changers for travel and regional connectivity, challenges in cargo operations at Integrated Check Posts  and their infrastructure requirement added value to the occasion.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Secretary, Border Management, Shri N.N. Sinha, Second Secretary from Embassy of Nepal, along with senior officers from Government of India and academics and professionals from ADB, IIFT, CUTS International, RIS and ICRIER.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Shri Gowda in a Message on National Pharmacy Week says Government proactively looking to provide industrial parks with facilities to grow API, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry
Shri Gowda in a message to an international pharmacist webinar of 21.11.2020 on National Pharmacy Week has said that Government proactively looking to provide industrial parks with facilities to grow API, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry.
 and R R College of Pharmacy, Bangalore and collaborator Group Pharmaceuticals, Banglaore, for the NPW celebrations through a webinar focusing on Pharmaceutical Care a very trending discipline.
The Minister also said that the Govt. of India too is committed to improvement of pharmaceutical profession and industry. The Minister further said that Government is proactively looking to provide industrial parks with facilities to grow API, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. This way, he said, Indian pharma industry will continue to play a prominent role as the pharmacy of the world. “We are also encouraging innovation in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. R and D funds and other facilitator programs are focus of the Modi government and this is helping improve pharmaceutical offerings. We are also sensitive to grievances of pharmacists. We are committed to improve the lot of pharmacists,” Shri Gowda added.
Dr. Mahesh Burande, Director, IPER, Pune in his key note address gave very encouraging positive points on how pharmacists should develop their counseling role and improve service to society. He peppered his talk with practical examples, including on how digitalization and online activity can be made the ally of the regular pharmacist, rather than seeing this digital trend as a threat.
Prof. Raveendra gave concluding remarks on how pharmacists are having a multifaceted role in improving health outcomes through many roles including pharmaceutical care and pharmacy practice. He thanked the Central Govt. of India for always supporting pharmacists and the industry through pharma parks and other important policies and legislations.
Dr. Kaushik Denvaraju, President, KRPA proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Sunil S Chiplunkar, Advisory Member, KRPA, excelled as co-speaker highlighting the role of IPA and the various activities under NPW banner, he was also the moderator for the webinar event.
RCJ/Imran